Background

In November 2010, the Government had a technical majority of three, but there were four vacancies. Against a background of worsening economic news and historically low poll ratings for Fianna Fá, it would have been very difficult for Government parties to win even one of the four By Elections. A High Court action brought by Sinn Fein Senator Pearse Doherty ruled that the delay in holding a By Election to fill a vacancy in Donegal South West was 'unreasonable'. The Government announced this by election would be held immediately, and Sinn Féin subsequently gained the seat from Fianna Fáil.

Summary

Projection of final result:

Dublin

17

18

1

4

2

2

3

47

Leinster

21

8

7

3

0

0

3

42

Munster

21

9

7

3

0

0

6

46

Connaught Ulster

17

2

5

4

0

0

3

31

Total

76

37

20

14

2

2

15

166

United Left Alliance includes Socialist Party (Clare Daly, Joe Higgins), People Before Profit Alliance (Richard Boyd Barrett, Joan Collins) and Seamus Healy.

Joan Burton (Labour, Dublin West) was the first TD elected to the 31st Dáil at about 3pm on Saturday 26 February 2011, while Seán Kyne (Fine Gael, Galway West) was the last at about 9:30am on Wednesday 2 March 2011.